Foot-rest electric heater



Dec. 22 1925- L. SIMMONS FOOT REST ELECTRIC HEATER Filed April 3, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 22 1925 L. SIMMONS FOOT REST ELECTRIC HEATER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5 Dec. 22, 1925- L. SIMMONS FOOT REST ELECTRIC HEATER Filed pril 3, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 L SIMMONS FOOT REST ELECTRIC HEATER F1led Apr1l 5, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 22 1925' Patented Dec. 22, 1925.

UNITED STATES LEO SIMMONS, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

FOOT-BEST ELECTRIC HEATER.

Application filed April 3, 1925. Serial No. 20,492.

T 0 all whom i may concern:

Be it known that I, Lno SIMMONS, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of lVashington, District of Columbia,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Foot- Rest Electric Heaters, of which the following is a specification.

This invention embodies an electric heater, preferably of the portable type, peculiarly designed for utilizing the therapeutic value of the radiant and other heat from an incandescent electric resistance and from bodies heated thereby, when applied to parts of the human body, particularly when applied to the feet; and the invention embodies such heater which serves the additional function of heating and circulating the air in a room or other more or less enclosed space with the end in view of raising the temperature of the air in such room or enclosure; and the nature and objects of my invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in the light of the following explanations of the accompanying drawings that illustrate what I now believe to be the preferred mechanical expression or embodiment of my invention from among other forms, constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope of the invention.

An object of the invention is to provide an electric heater peculiarly adapted for subjecting the feet to the heat generated by an electric heating resistance or the like, to gain the resulting benefit to health and the pleasing bodily effect of such heat so applied, and to render such heater also capable of heating and ClKZHlELtlIlg air in the room or enclosure in which the heater is located.

A further object of the invention is to provide certain constructions, arrangements and combinations with the end in view of producing an improved portable electric heater peculiarly adapted to the application of warmth to the feet.

\Vitb the foregoing and other objects in view, my invention consists in certain novel features in construction, and in combinations and arrangements as more fully and. particularly set forth and. specified hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, forming part thereof Fig. 1 is side elevation, a portion of the hood being broken away, dotted lines showing a foot on the foot plate.

Fig. 2 is a detail top plan of the front top portion of the hood, the front top cross member being shown partially in longitudinal section.

Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 3-3, Fig. 4c, the center collar and deflector not being shown.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section, the hood being partially broken away.

Fig. 5 is a cross section on the line 5-5, Fig. 1, a portion of the foot plate, and a portion of a heel plate being broken away.

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical section with parts broken away.

Fig. 7 is a detail top plan of the foot rest supporting plate.

Fig. 8 is a. top plan of the supporting floor plate and the heating means and deflector carried thereby.

In a general way, the heater of my invention provides a low down foot rest to support the feet of a person occupying an adjacent chair or other support, electric resistance heating means arranged within the foot rest below the feet when arranged in the intended position on the rest, and an upwardly and forwardly extending hood to, in a measure, confine and deflect the heat to the space occupied by the feet and control the direction of the rising flow of heated air.

In the particular embodiment of my invention shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of explanation, I provide a strong rigid horizontal annular supporting frame 1, which, in this instance, is shown 90 rectangular in form, although I do not wish to so limit my invention.

This horizontal main frame is supported the desired short distance above the floor, by short rigid depending legs 2, fixed to the 95 main frame, if so desired at the corners thereof, to uphold the frame parallel with the floor or in a horizontal position.

Within the lower portion of the annular supporting frame, I provide as'upport or 100 carrier for the electric heating .means. For instance, I provide a horizontal floor or plate 3, in the lower portion of the interior of the frame 1, normally fixed thereto and supported therein in any suitable manner or by any desirable means. This floor plate 3 is shown normally fixed to supporting brackets 4-, secured to the frame 1 and arranged at the inner vertical sides thereof. This supporting plate 3 preferably spans the space within the frame 1, and closes the same against upward air circulation through said frame, except at the central vertical air passage or throat 5, opening vertically through said plate, and certain narrow spaces at the plate edges.

At its upper side, the plate 3, provides an annular open channel or socket to receive the electric heating means. and this channel surrounos the vertical opening 5 and is preferably concentric therewith. This channel is formed by upstanding radially-spaced concentric annular flanges 6, integral with the plate 3, if so desired. The inner or small diameter vertical flange 6, forms the longitudinal vertical wall of the air opening or duct 5..

The heating unit is arranged on the top side of the plate 3 and rests on the floor of the open-top channel formed by upstanding flanges 6, and in the example shown, comprises a porcelain or other ceramic or insulating material block 7, formed at its top side with an open-top approximately annular socket or groove 8, in which the electric resista ce 9 is arranged under insulating bridge pieces 8. The electric resistance 9, is in the form of an elongated resistance wire coil that is intended to become incandescent or reach an approximate red heat when thrown into circuit with the electric power current. The incandescent electric resistance is exposed from above through the open top of the groove 8 wherenot covered by the narrow bridge pieces 8. The groove 8, is continuous throughout the top part of block 7, except at the depressed radial top portion 7 of said block into which the opposite ends of the groove open. This top depression, permits snaking of the resistance coil through the groove from one end thereof to the other, and also provides for the binding posts by means of which the leading in wires 10, can be electrically connected with the resistance coil. in the usual or any suitable manner. The groove 8, preferable waves on curves inwardly and outwardly radially of the block 7. to maintain uniform longitudinal distribution and tension of the coil throughout the length of the groove, although I do not wish to so limit my present 'uetion. nor do I wish to limit myself to I e exact heating means disclosed.

An annular deflector 11, is arranged over and a distance above the annular electric heating unit (block I and coil 9). This deflector ll, is formed integral with and as a radial exterior annular flange surrounding the upper end of a vertical collar or ring 12, fitting the upper end of the inner flange 6 and forming an upward longitudinal continuation of the air duct 5.

The collar 12 rises above the level of the heating unit and the exterior flange of the collar forming deflector ll, overhangs the heating unit and is preferably formed with spaced vertical edge openings 11, above the resistance coil.

The collar 12 and its flange 11, constitutes a mass of metal that becomes more or less highly heated by radiation and by conduction, and that hence constitutes a source of radiated heat and aids in heating surround ing air and maintaining upwaro air circulation through duct Above the heating unit and the heat radiating elements, T arrange means for supporting the feet and protecting the feet and the foot wear from injury by overheating. For instance, I show a horizontally disposed plate 1 1 approximately spanning and coveringthe top or upper portion of the frame 1, and spaced upwardly from the flange 11 and other heating and heat radiating members. This plate 1% is supported from frame 1, in any suitable manner as by brackets 15 fixed to the inner surfaces of the frame, with the plate romovably resting on the brackets.

This plate 14; is formed with vertical openings l-l", arranged in any suitable design, preferably to form an ornamental grill located at the central portion of the plate above the heating unit and the heat radiating collar 12 and its flange 11, for the upward radiation of heat and for the upward flow of heated air.

The plate 14 at the top portion of the frame 1, cooperates with the plate 3, at the lower portion of said frame, in providing an interposed air heating chamber within the frame 1, in which air beating chamber are located the heating uni t and the heat radiating collar 12 and its flange 11. Air from near the floor of the room, is drawn upwardly into this chamber through the air duct 5, and past the edges of plate I} along the vertical inner faces of frame I. The air is heated in the chamber by contact with heated surfaces and walls and by radiation and convection, and flows upwardly through the gril openings is, and also through vertical hot air outlets 14", in the rear portion of plate 14. v

The plate i l carries a top elevated footplate or support 16. the front and rear ends of which can. be bent downwardly and sooured to the front and rear portions of plate 1 1 as by screws, bolts or rivets 1'7, Pl'PfBl'flblY with interposed insulation against conduction of heat from plate 14 to plate 16. The

mousse footplate 16 is hence arched upwardly a distance above plate 14, between its front and rear ends.

The front top edge portion of the foot plate 16 is shown provided with heel plates or rests 18.

The intermediate or central portion of the foot plate 16 is preferably formed with ver tical openings to form an ornamental grill 19, and with colored ornamental glassjewels, buttons or lens 20. fixed in holes in the foot rest and preferably projecting upwardly. 'hese jewels indicate the relatively cooler central portion of the foot rest located directly above the air duct 5, and also become illuminated from the light below and the incandescent body to show when the heater is in action.

The doubled down and back front portion of the foot plate 16 preferably projects forwardly over and beyond the top edge of the front portion of supporting frame 1.

The rear portion of foot plate 16, preferably tern'iinates forwardly of the vertica hot air out-lets 14 in plate 1%. through which hot air flows upwardly from the chamber below plate 14, to be caught by the hood hereinafter described.

The heater is provided with means to aid in holding; the heat and hot air to the space, in which the feet are located aboye the foot plate 16. For instance. I show the supporting frame 1. provided with an upstanding forwardly extending hood closing; the rear and partially enclosing the top and sides of such space. This hood consists of a palr of fixed vertical side plates 22 secured to and rising from the opposite sides or ends of. the supporting frame 1. anupwardly extending and forwardly curving: fixed back and deflector wall 23, and a strengthening and corn necting; front top cross member 24: between and securing; the top ends of the side walls and FOFH'H'IIQ the front top cross member of the heel: wall and in fact of the hood.

The back wall 23, preferably consists of a sheet metal section (such as brass or coppcrl at its lowerend secured to the top edge portion of the rear wall of the supporting frame 1. and at its opposite longitudinal crlcx secured to the rear portions of the uprig; t side walls and at its front top edge secured to the top connecting cross member $2 The cross member 24- oan consist of a met-l pipe section or roll having; its ends plur d with the upper front. ends of the side nulls forming ornamental dish-like portions facing said plugged ends and secured thereto by screws or bolts 25, although I do not wish to so limit my invention.

The member 24. forms the hood with a strong enlarged ornamental front top cross portion, and in fact constitutes'the handle by which the heater can be lifted and carried from place to place.

The back wall 23 extends vertically from the rear length of frame 1, for some distance and then gradually curves upwardly to the elevated advanced front top cross member 2 which is located a considerable distance above the foot plate 16 and preferably in advance of the vertical planethat includes the center of the front to rear length of the horizontal supporting frame 1. The wall L3 serves to deflect the heat and rising air forwardly and to hold the same to the space in which the feet are located while the ornamental side walls or plates 22 also serve to aid in retaining); the heat and hot air within the hood and to said space. The heater of the particular example shown, is arranged with the heating means and foot plate low down so that a person sitting on a chair or other seat of ordinary height, can conveniently rest both feet on the foot plate 1.6, in a comfortable natural position with the feet extending forwardly between the side plates 92. toward the back plate 2". and iilnder the overhanging top portion of the hood. The front upper portion 24: of the hood extends forwardly toward the lower limbs of the occupant. but not so far as to interfere with dresses or other clothing of the occupant.

The arrangement of the hood is such as to support a blanket or other covering that can be used to enclose the heater and the lower limbs, to confine the hot air and heat in the space occupied by the feet in the heater.

The arrangement of the heatinginembers is such that air is drawn from a low level adjacent to the floor and heated and rapidly circulated upwardly through the grills 14:, 16, so that the heater can be utilized to gradually heat and circulate the air in the room to raise the temperature in the room, as well as for health purposes in toasting and warming the feet.

The deflector 11, plate 14, and foot plate 16,. are so formed and arranged as to pro tect the feet from burning or injurious heat, while sulnnittinp; the fee to the heated air rising from the heating unit and radiating members and to radiation from the incandescent coil 9, the highly heated porcelain block 7, and the metal body that forms collar l2 and deflector ll.

If so desired. a small incandescent lamp bulb 30, can be included in the circuit with the resistance heating coil 9, and arranged directly under the lower open end of the air duct 5, so that the bulb will 'ive out light,

red colored lie-ht if desired, when the resistance coil is thrown into the power circuit. The light from the bulb will be visible from the top of the heater through the various grills and the glass buttons and will add to the ornamental appearance of the heater.

The bulb socket can be supported by bracket 31 fixed to and depending from supporting plate or floor 8.

It is evident that various changes, modifications and variations might be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invent-ion, and hence I do not wish to limit my invention to the exact disclosures hereof.

lVhat I claim is 1. A portable foot rest embodying lowdown electric heating means, a support for the feet above said means, said rest providing for the upward discharge of heated air adjacent to said support, and an upstanding hood projected forwardly a distance above and over said support. to partially confine the heated air and radiated heat to the space occupied by the feet.

2. A foot rest electric heater provided with a hood open at the front and partially enclosing, the space to receive the feet with a foot support below the upper portion of the hood and above the electric heating element.

3. A radiating and an air heating electric heater provided with a foot rest above and spaced from the electrical heating unit of the heater, and with an upstanding hood to partially confine the heated air and radiated heat to the space occupied by the feet.

4. An electric heater having a low-down supporting frame, an electric resistance heat ing; unit arranged in said frame, a foot rest arranged in foot warming relation to said unit. said rest being supported and arranged a distance above and insulated from said unit, means being; provided whereby air is drawn from below said frame and treated and circulated upwardly for room and foot heating purposes and an upstanding hood projected forwardly at its upper end above the foot rest to partially confine the heated air to the space occupied by the feet.

5. A portable electric heater arranged to heat and circulate the air of a room, said heater embodying an electric resistance heating: .unit, a foot support arranged a distance above said unit and in foot heating relation thereto, and an upstanding hood projected forwardly above said support, means being provided to protect the feet on said rest from burning or injurious heat and to cause upward discharge of heated air adjacent to said support, and means for supporting said unit and the foot support in a low down foot rest position.

6. An electric heater comprising a horizontally disposed frame having supporting means, a hood rising from said frame and open at the front, an elevated foot support carried by said frame in front of said hood, and electric resistance air heating); and heat radiating means carried by said frame below the foot support and the hood.

7. A foot rest electric heater embodying a low down support, electric resistance air heating and heat radiating means therein, a hood providing a foot space above said means and open at the front, and a foot sup port in said space and elevated with respect to said means.

8. A portable electric heater comprising a h u-izontal frame having; supporting legs, a hood flP'Qtl to and rising; 170211 said frame and providing a foot space open at the front, the hood overhanging; saio space at its top front portion forming: a handle by which the heater can be lifted and carried, a foot rest in said space, and electric resistance air l eatirp; and heat radiating means arranged a distance below the hood and said. rest.

An electric heater comprising a horizontally disposed frame, an elevated top foot plate forming: a grill and provided with a iport inc plate forming a grill and upheld by said frame, and a heating; unit supported by said frame below said plates and embodying insulating material block providing a vertical a r duct and a surrounding top channel, and an electric resistance heating member in said channel.

10. An electric heater comprising a supporting frame providing for the vertical passage of air therethroup h, said frame hava rear upstanding! wall continued forwardly to overhang a space for the feet above the frame and in front of and below said wall. a rest for the feet in said space, and electric resistance heat. radiating and air heating means arranged in said frame below said rest.

11. An electric heater comprising a horizontally disposed frame having air duct providing for flow of air from below the frame and discharge above the frame, an insulatingr block in the frame around said duct and providing; a central vertical air passage, an electric resistance coil carried by said block a deflector over and a distance above said coil, and a rest for the feet carried by the frame and arranged a distance above said deflector.

12. An electric heater comprising a horizontally disposed, frame provided with a floor formed with a vertical air duct and a top channel surrounding the same, an annular insulating; material block in said channel, a top exposed approximately annular electric resistance heating element carried by said block, a metal collar forming an upward extension of said duct and having; an exterior annular flange above and overhanging said element, a foot rest carried by the frame in an elevated position above said duct, flange and block, and having means to pro tect the feet from painful or injurious heat.

Signed at Washington, D. 0., this 3rd day of April, 1925.

LEO SIMMONS. 

